None would have expected that Rahkeem Cornwall will make into the West Indies’ team after looking at his fitness. However., the flamboyant cricketer showed everyone wrong with his grit and determination to be the best in the business. Now, he is right up there in the West Indies dressing unit to play against the World Number 1 Test Team, India.

When West Indies announced their Test squad for the upcoming 2-match series against India, there was a noticeable inclusion in Rahkeem Cornwall. The ‘gentle giant’ of West Indies cricket was handed his maiden Test call-up for consistent performances in the recent past.

Despite performing very well in the domestic cricket, at 6’6″ and around 140 kilograms, the Antiguan all-rounder couldn’t make it to the West Indies squad earlier due to fitness issues. However, the board followed a particular fitness regime to the all-rounder to see him making things fall in place.

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I would like to make the most of the opportunity – Rahkeem Cornwall

Finally, he is in the squad, which is set to play the Indian National Cricket Team in his home soil. The all-rounder is all set to make his debut and would like to perform to his calibre against the world-class attack.

“Basically, I have worked on getting in the right positions when I play shots. It is good to see the support I have received on being included in the Windies squad. Getting selected into the team means a lot to me, I hope to make the most of this opportunity and make it count,” Cornwall told reporters ahead of the first Test match.

I hope to bring my positivity:

Rahkeem Cornwall is happy to be training under the watchful eyes of Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan. He added that they were the guys who dominated the world cricket during their times and Cornwall wants to repeat that now. He wants to bring his positivity to the team.

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“My mindset is good. We have had good preparation. Sarwan and Lara gave us their inputs, it was a learning curve for me. These guys dominated the world during their playing days, they taught me a lot,” Cornwall said. The ball is coming nicely out of my hand. I am trying to work on my consistency. I am trying to learn from other guys, I hope to bring my positivity to the team,” he added.

Rahkeem Cornwall first played first-class cricket in 2014 and has since picked up 260 wickets from 55 matches, including 17 fifers and two 10-wicket hauls. He has also scored a total of 2,224 runs at 24.43 including 1 hundred and 13 fifties.